Apple's New Ad Policy Understands What Maps Are For
Apple has announced rules for advertisements on Apple Maps, to be introduced later this summer in the US and Canada. Some businesses will be prohibited from advertising on Apple Maps, while others will be vetted.
Sarah Perez, TechCrunch:
Notably, it prohibits the broad category of home services businesses, like plumbing, electrical, locksmith, HVAC, pest control, roofing, and general contracting services, among others. […]
In addition to banning home services, the policy prohibits a handful of businesses from advertising on Maps, like cryptocurrency ATMs and bail bonds providers. […]
Apple is also taking a hands-on approach to approving ads for businesses offering medical services, as the policy notes these ads will be “evaluated on a case-by-case basis.”
If ads must appear on Apple Maps, they should be limited to businesses that operate from a shop or office I can physically visit. It avoids cluttering the map and is the right choice for user experience. If I’m looking for a plumber to fix a leak in my house, I won’t use a maps application; I’ll use a search engine. I need the plumber to come to my house; where they are and how I can get there isn’t relevant. Likewise, if I’m looking for a barber shop, I’m looking for a professional shop, not for Gabriel who cuts hair in his kitchen on weekdays after four.